These Old Shades · Chapter
His Grace of Avon Trumps the Comte's Ace explained
At Madame du Deffand's salon, the Duke of Avon arrives in magnificent attire and captivates the company with a thinly veiled allegorical tale that exposes the Comte de Saint-Vire's long-hidden crime of swapping his daughter with a peasant's
What happens
At Madame du Deffand's salon, the Duke of Avon arrives in magnificent attire and captivates the company with a thinly veiled allegorical tale that exposes the Comte de Saint-Vire's long-hidden crime of swapping his daughter with a peasant's son. Avon reveals that he possesses a written confession from the foster-mother, which he places on the mantelpiece, leaving Saint-Vire visibly shaken and the audience in suspense.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and emotional peak of the Duke of Avon’…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Power and Control
Avon masterfully controls the salon's attention and manipulates Saint-Vire's emotions through his allegorical tale, demonstrating his strategic dominance.
- Identity and Disguise
The story reveals the central deception of a child swap and the heroine being raised as a boy, highlighting themes of hidden identity and mistaken roles.
- Revenge and Forgiveness
Avon's deliberate, theatrical exposure of Saint-Vire's crime is an act of calculated revenge, designed to make him suffer as his daughter suffered.
Characters to notice
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Arrives in cloth of gold with emeralds, dominates the salon with his allegorical story, and produces the written confession.
- Comte de Saint-Vire
Present with his wife; becomes increasingly agitated as Avon's tale unfolds, half-rising from his chair and tugging at his cravat.
- Madame de Saint-Vire
Grips her hands together and sobs during the story, revealing her emotional distress.
- Hugh Davenant
Observes the scene nervously, commenting on Avon's entrance and the tension.
- Lord Rupert Alastair
Arrives with d'Anvau and Lavoulère, is teased by Madame du Deffand, and admires Avon's regal appearance.
- Armand de Saint-Vire
Listens intently and grimly, urging Avon to continue the story.
- Lady Fanny Marling
Present with her husband, comments on Avon's handsomeness and relays Léonie's excuses.
- Edward Marling
Concedes Avon's presence, and coordinates with Merivale and Davenant to guard the doors.
Key passages
“By Gad, he's a magnificent devil, 'pon my soul he is!”
Lord Rupert exclaims that Avon looks incredibly impressive and regal.
Rupert's admiration underscores Avon's commanding presence.
“I think he felt it. From one day to the next he knew not when the blow would fall; he lived in dread; he was torn this way and that by hope, and—fear, messieurs.”
Avon describes how Saint-Vire lived in constant anxiety, never knowing when his secret would be exposed.
This highlights the psychological torment Avon intended for his enemy.
“From his pocket Avon drew a dirty and crumpled sheet of paper. He looked mockingly at Saint-Vire, who sat as though carved in stone. 'That,' repeated his Grace, and laid the paper down on the mantelpiece behind him.”
Avon produces the foster-mother's written confession and places it on the mantelpiece, leaving Saint-Vire frozen with shock.
The physical evidence is the climax of Avon's revelation.
